September 8, 2025

Michigan Technological University continues its steady rise. For the second year in a row, more than 7,400 students enrolled as Huskies — the most the University has seen since the early 1980s. This year’s incoming class reflects not only the rising demand for a Michigan Tech degree, but also record academic quality, with an average high school GPA of 3.86 — the highest in University history.

Tech welcomed 1,601 new first-year and transfer students for fall 2025, a 6% increase from last year. Tech has also achieved a retention rate of 88.3%, highlighting the University's dedication to student success and strategic, measured growth.

Many of the University's most prominent programs saw double-digit percentage increases in enrollment, including electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and forestry. The new aerospace engineering degree program welcomed 61 incoming first-year students, a testament to Michigan Tech's continued relevance in the fields where today's students and tomorrow's industries intersect.

Graduates continue to see strong returns on their investment, with a median early career salary of $82,400 and a 94.6% placement rate. These outcomes reflect both the caliber of students choosing Michigan Tech and the preparation they receive to lead in today’s high-demand fields.

Read more about what's new in fall 2025 at Michigan Tech News.

The Vice President for Research Office (VPR) has launched a new Research Security website to provide Michigan Tech faculty, staff and students with easy access to information, resources and guidance on safeguarding research. The site outlines best practices and requirements for foreign engagement, complying with export control regulations, identifying potential security risks and more.

Whether you are preparing a grant proposal, collaborating internationally or working with controlled information, the Research Security website offers tools, training and contacts to help you stay informed and compliant.

If you have any questions, please contact the Research Security team at researchsecurity-l@mtu.edu.

L. Brad King, Richard and Elizebeth Henes Endowed Professor of Space Systems in Michigan Tech's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and CEO of Orbion Space Technology in Houghton, has been selected as this year's First-Year Engineering Lecture speaker.

This special event is exclusively for first-year engineering students at Michigan Tech. It will take place tomorrow, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

King's lecture is titled "You're Good at Math and You Like to Build Things, Now What?"

Part of an annual College of Engineering series hosted by the Department of Engineering Fundamentals, King's lecture will cover his expansive career and provide practical advice to students on what to expect as they become engineers.

Read more about King's professional niche developing space propulsion technologies on the College of Engineering Blog.

The Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary. What began as a small initiative to raise visibility for computing research has grown into one of Michigan Tech's most influential research institutes, now home to more than 100 members across seven centers.

Over the past decade, the ICC has driven groundbreaking research, expanded industry partnerships and elevated Tech's national research profile. This year alone, the institute secured $8.5 million in new awards. As computing continues to transform society, the ICC remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and beyond.

Read about the ICC's first decade on the Computing News Blog.

Get ready to kick off the year with Michigan Tech's Staff Council! We're rolling out the welcome mat for new members and would love to have you join us at noon next Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the MUB Alumni Lounge.

This isn't just any meeting — it's a chance to meet fellow staff from across the University, make your voice heard and be part of something bigger! Our special guest, Richard Koubek, Michigan Tech president, will share exciting updates about the future of the University. And yes, we'll have delicious chocolate fondue to fuel the fun!

The Staff Council, founded in 1991, is a powerhouse of staff members dedicated to making our work environment the best it can be. We celebrate each other's achievements, support professional development and organize amazing events like Family Fun Day, Professional Development Day and the Making a Difference Awards.

By joining, you'll have opportunities to serve on committees, help shape important campus initiatives and contribute to some of the University's coolest traditions — like the employee wall calendar!

As a reminder, union-represented employees are entitled to release time for professional development activities, including staff recognition programs deemed relevant by the University. Employees should work with their supervisors to ensure coverage during their absence. Supervisors may contact Human Resources for guidance on eligibility and the process for granting this release time.

So, mark your employee wall calendar and get ready to dive into something truly rewarding. We can't wait to see you there!

The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) is offering a virtual workshop where you can earn a Lean White Belt.

The workshop, titled "Processes, Flow, and Waste: Lean Fundamentals," will be offered twice this year:

• Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon

In this fun and interactive workshop, you'll practice visualizing the fundamental Lean concepts of a smooth workflow and the types of waste that may interrupt that flow, and see how you can apply these concepts to your job right away. These tools can assist you in your efforts to create the best possible experience for students, faculty, staff and other customers. Lean White Belt certification is awarded to those who satisfactorily complete all requirements for this workshop.

See the workshop description and register by completing our brief Upcoming Michigan Tech Lean Courses form or visit our website. Once registered, we'll add you to a calendar event for the course.

In this workshop, we'll use some online tools, Zoom and Miro, that will enable us to work as a team to solve a problem together. Miro is a virtual collaboration tool, similar to a virtual whiteboard. Learn more about how to use Miro at the Miro Academy Essentials course. The course is considered complete after attending the workshop and submitting a couple of brief activities to demonstrate application of concepts. A Lean White Belt certification will be awarded after meeting all requirements. There's no cost to Michigan Tech employees.

This stand-alone workshop is part of the Lean Basics workshop series. It can be taken independently, or, if you complete the requirements for all five workshops in the series, we'll award you a Lean Yellow Belt certificate!

For more information, email improvement@mtu.edu.

Job Postings for Monday, Sept. 8, 2025

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Custodian (second shift, nine months), Facilities Management. (AFSCME posting dates are Sept. 8 to Sept. 12, 2025. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates.)

Food Service Helper PTNB (first shift, 12 months, 0-30 hours), Dining Services. (AFSCME posting dates are Sept. 8 to Sept. 12, 2025. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates.)

Custodian (first shift, 12 months), Facilities Management. (AFSCME posting dates are Sept. 8 to Sept. 12, 2025. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates.)

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment or for an interview at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

My UP Now listed Michigan Tech as one of Superior Health Foundation's fall grant recipients. MTU received $74,505 for a project titled "Addressing Key Community Health Gaps in Youth through Dynamic Application Support and AI."

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Metro Parent listed Michigan Tech as one of the universities partnering with the Thompson Foundation to offer the Thompson Working Families Scholarship.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story announcing a ribbon-cutting ceremony being held Sept. 12 at the historic Henry Ford Alberta Sawmill pump house. The Baraga County Historical Society has leased the pump house from MTU with plans to operate it as a satellite of the Baraga County Historical Museum.

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9&10 News mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the Sept. 12 groundbreaking for the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center in Traverse City, Michigan. MTU is a partner in the center's creation.

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The Mining Journal mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about season predictions for the GLIAC's cross country women's squads. The Huskies were predicted to finish fifth in the conference.

New Publications Import Option in Digital Measures at Michigan Tech

Do you struggle to keep your Publications data up to date in Digital Measures at Michigan Tech? There is now a brand-new way to import this data that is even faster than using the existing import tools.

Proactive Search uses CrossRef data to notify users of new and/or duplicate publications. With just a few clicks, new records can be added to accounts directly from the main Activities page, including the opportunity to edit records during the process.

To learn more about this new time-saving tool, please watch the short tutorial video on Publications Imports.

If you have any questions, please contact the Digital Measures administrator at dm-admin@mtu.edu.

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CTL Announces 2025 Instructional Awards and Luncheon

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) congratulates the following 2025 Deans' Teaching Showcase members who have been selected to receive 2025 CTL Instructional Awards.

• Innovative or Out of Class Teaching: Paul Goetsch (BioSci)
• Large Class Teaching: Shane Oberloier (ECE)
• Curriculum Development and Assessment: Laura Kasson Fiss (PHC/HU)

This year’s recipients will share brief presentations on the work that earned them their teaching awards at a CTL Lunch and Learn event tomorrow, Sept. 9, at noon in the MUB Ballroom. Each will receive formal recognition and a cash award.

Please register in advance to attend the luncheon.

The CTL would also like to thank previous instructional award recipients who were instrumental in the selection process.

We're looking for nominations for the 2026 Deans' Teaching Showcase during spring semester. Please consider suggesting (to your dean or chair) instructors who have made exceptional contributions in curriculum development, assessment, innovative or out-of-class teaching, or large class teaching.

Contact the CTL at ctl@mtu.edu for more information.

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Research Excellence Fund Call for Proposals

Proposals are being solicited for the Research Excellence Fund (REF) program, an internal award of the Vice President for Research Office.

Proposals must follow standard internal deadlines in coordination with the Sponsored Programs Office. The final proposal deadline is 5 p.m. on Oct. 7. This due date will be strictly enforced. Early submission are encouraged.

Please note that the REF program has changed in a number of ways in recent years. Be sure to review the current guidance carefully. Changes implemented recently include a limit of one REF Research Seed award per principal investigator during their eligibility period, expansion of Scholarship and Creativity Grant eligibility to include teaching faculty, eliminating cost sharing, and adding eligibility for instructional track faculty with research appointments for the Research Seed program.

For additional information, see the Research Excellence Fund webpage. Questions can be directed to REF-l@mtu.edu.

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Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis and Report Process

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents. In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion! Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend. Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you.

• When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 2-4 p.m. (see a detailed schedule on our blog)
• Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission.
• Where: Join virtually on Zoom (please register to attend online and receive participation instructions) and in person in Admin 404 (room capacity is 30).
• Registration: Please register to receive handouts via email or attend online. The seminar will be available online as well as on campus.

If you are unable to join us, a recording of the event will be available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

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Advanced Career Management Program

Associate professors are invited to join Advanced Career Management (ACM), a peer mentoring program focused on career planning and strategies for midcareer faculty. A program introduction meeting will be held on Sept. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B1 and B2. Lunch will be provided.

Please complete the ACM Interest Form by Wednesday, Sept. 10, to indicate your interest and RSVP for the introductory meeting. If you are interested in the program but cannot attend the meeting, please indicate this on the form and you will be contacted by email.

The session will introduce the ACM program and explain the ACM affinity groups. Each affinity group meets six times during the year and is facilitated by a senior guide. If you have any questions, please check the Advanced Career Management website for information or send an email to Shari Stockero at stockero@mtu.edu.

The ACM program was developed by ADVANCE at Michigan Tech, an NSF-funded initiative dedicated to increasing faculty retention, improving campus climate and enhancing the career success of our faculty, and is now supported by the Provost’s Office.

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Talk: 'Leadership in Industry' with Russ Becker

Russ Becker, CEO and president of APi Group, will present a talk at Michigan Tech tomorrow, Sept. 9, from 4-4:50 p.m. in Dow 641.

Becker will discuss leadership, the defining factor between average and exceptional performance, and the belief that everyone, at every level, has the potential to lead.

Cultivating leaders in business drives sustainable growth, innovation and a culture of caring. Discipline, teamwork and resilience shape both character and capability. Investing in your own leadership, on the field, in the classroom and beyond can transform personal success and also strengthen the teams and communities in which we all serve.

Event Details:

• What: "Leadership in Industry" with Russ Becker
• When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 4-4:50 p.m.
• Where: Dow 641

About Becker and APi Group:
APi Group is a global market-leading provider of fire and life safety, security, elevator and escalator, and specialty services in over 500 locations worldwide. Becker's leadership is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both the company and its people. By continuously setting high standards of excellence, compassion and strategic growth, he has not only driven APi Group to new heights but has also fostered a culture where every team member feels valued and inspired.

Becker joined the APi Group family of companies in 1995 at The Jamar Company in Duluth, Minnesota. He started as manager of construction and was named president in 1998, where he served until joining APi Group as president in 2002. He was named CEO in 2004.

Guided by his unwavering commitment to operational excellence, safety, and people-first leadership, Russ established "The Care Factor," APi Group's core belief and cultural cornerstone that ensures every team member feels valued, respected and empowered. This philosophy underpins his dedication to fostering a work environment rooted in compassion and support for all teammates.

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STORI Driven Strategy Workshop with LaDawn Townsend

Campus is invited to a transformative professional development opportunity that will change how you communicate, lead and drive results in your work. Auxiliary and Business Services is excited to sponsor this professional development workshop and offer this opportunity to Michigan Tech employees at no cost to individuals or departments.

Event Details:

• What: STORI Driven Strategy Workshop with Featured Speaker LaDawn Townsend
• When: Thursday, Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch provided)
• Where: Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts Main Lobby

LaDawn Townsend is CEO of Stori Group and an accomplished business strategist whose expertise has been featured in Inc. and Fortune magazines. She has spoken on global stages, including at NASA and Amazon, and to a bipartisan group of U.S. Congress.

You'll Learn To:

• Craft compelling narratives that align with MTU's goals and resonate across all organizational levels
• Secure stakeholder buy-in by clearly demonstrating the value and return on investment of your initiatives
• Transform complex strategies into actionable plans that inspire innovation and drive results
• Leverage data effectively in decision-making and communicate it persuasively
• Engage and align teams to execute with confidence on strategic objectives

What Makes This Workshop Special?
This isn't just theory — it's hands-on, practical training designed for busy leaders like you. Through interactive exercises, hot-seat coaching and real MTU scenarios, you'll walk away with frameworks you can implement immediately in your daily role.

The workshop is perfect for department leaders, managers, project coordinators, faculty and anyone who needs to communicate strategic ideas, secure resources or drive organizational change.

No registration or RSVP is required, but we do ask that you commit your schedule to the full workshop. Please contact Theresa Coleman-Kaiser at tacolema@mtu.edu if you have any questions or would like to be added to the Google calendar invitation.

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

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Student Fireside Chat: 'Making Your Mark: Using Data Storytelling to Build Professional Influence'

Students who want to stand out as future leaders can learn how to tell their story, communicate their ideas and find their leadership style by attending a Student Fireside Chat featuring LaDawn Townsend, CEO of STORI Group and an accomplished business strategist.

Join us for this engaging session on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 7-9 p.m. in the DHH Ballroom.

Students Will Learn:

• How to effectively communicate with senior leadership
• Strategies for tailoring your message to different stakeholders
• Techniques for using data to enhance your professional narrative
• Methods to build credibility and gain buy-in for your ideas

Mark your calendar now for this incredibly powerful and engaging session.

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Poster Sale

Monday, September 8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | MUB Superior Room

MUB Board is hosting a poster sale, powered by Poster Invasion! Deck out your dorm and spice up your space with these exclusive artist prints! Find us on the bottom floor of the MUB, in the Superior Room. Sept. 8-12th 9-5 PM

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Five Things We Learned about Road Salt Impacts and Alternatives

Monday, September 8, 3 p.m.

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Dr. Andy Erickson, PhD, PE, Stormwater Research Manager, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota Abstract: Snow and ice on roadway networks and airports are dangerous for travelers, and the environmental impacts of de-icing and anti-icing chemicals can be substantial. Typical applications use ~90 pounds of road salt (sodium chloride) per person per year to de-ice our roads and parking lots. One study estimated that ~78% of this road salt is trapped in stormwater ponds, surface lakes and wetlands, and in our shallow and deep groundwater. Surface streams and groundwater wells are impaired with chloride, and residents are beginning to taste the impacts. This presentation will cover several projects tasked with answering these questions: Do we have a salt legacy problem in our unsaturated soils? Can Permeable Pavements Reduce Road Salt? Which Anti-icing chemicals work best? Do Road Salt Alternatives have Environmental Impacts? What about Abrasives? Overall, these projects investigated road salt impacts, road salt alternatives, and pavement innovations to reduce or eliminate the high flux of chloride from road salt into our environment and thus improve the water quality of our lakes, streams and groundwater. Bio: Dr. Andy Erickson is a researcher and engineer at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. He studies water quality in urban watersheds, develops stormwater assessment and maintenance best practices, and designs innovative stormwater treatment technologies. In leadership roles, Andy is co-director of the Cold Climate Center of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies, the Chair of the ASTM International E64 Committee on Stormwater Control Measures, and the Chair for the University of Minnesota's Water Council. As a research manager, Dr. Erickson is the principal investigator and leads a team of senior research fellows, research scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates to complete numerous research projects. Dr. Erickson also serves on the St. Anthony Falls Lab Executive Committee, as a Fellow at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, and as a scholar for the Center for Transportation Studies. He is a member of the Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering Graduate Faculty, Water Resources Science Graduate Faculty, and a member of the Environment and Energy in Transportation Research Council. Dr. Erickson is dedicated to outreach through frequent presentations, workshops, and hosting the popular Minnesota Stormwater Seminar Series. In addition to numerous scientific reports and peer-reviewed publications, he is the editor of the University of Minnesota stormwater newsletter "UPDATES," and author of "Optimizing Stormwater Treatment Practices: A Handbook of Assessment and Maintenance.”

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Girls Basketball Little Huskies League

Monday, September 8, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Multipurpose Gym

This league is open to girls entering grades 2 - 5 as of Fall 2025. Learning skills, working as a team, and having fun: that’s Michigan Tech’s Little Huskies Girls’ Basketball League. It’s a great introduction to the sport for young, budding basketball players held in the SDC Multipurpose Gym. Youngsters from all local school districts and skill levels are encouraged to participate. This is an excellent opportunity for your child to play basketball and learn from the current Michigan Tech Women’s Basketball players, who will be the coaches in the league. Kids can wear their league shirts to Women's Basketball home games for free admission!

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HuskyLEAD - Robert's Rules 101

Monday, September 8, 4 p.m.–4 p.m. | Fisher 127

Robert’s Rules of Order can make meetings more effective, but only when everyone understands how to use them. Join us for an engaging, interactive workshop that demystifies this widely recognized system for running orderly, productive meetings. Whether you’re leading an organization or simply want to better understand parliamentary procedure, this session will give you the essential tools to participate in or conduct meetings with confidence, clarity, and fairness.

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Railroad Night 2025

Monday, September 8, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Lobby

Railroad Night 2025 September 8, 2025 Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts Lobby Railroad Night 2025 will be held on September 8th in the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts Lobby. There will be several events along with Railroad Night including Summer in Finland Reunion, RTAB Golf Outing, an Industry Panel Discussion, RTAB Advisory Board Meeting and Career Fest. Keynote Speaker Craig Morehouse VP Transportation - South Region BNSF Railway Agenda Sunday, September 7 Summer In Finland Reunion (tentative)Monday, September 8 9 a.m. -2:30 p.m. : Rail Transportation Advisory Board Golf (open to all industry visitors), $50 for non-board members4-5 p.m. : Rail Transportation and Engineering Industry Panel discussion5-6:15 p.m. : Railroad Night social hour and poster session6:15-8 p.m. : Railroad NightTuesday, September 9 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. : Rail Transportation Advisory Board meetings (by invitation only)11 a.m.-2 p.m. : Career Fest (Companies interested in increasing their visibility among students beyond Railroad Night are encouraged to attend Career Fest. Please note that registration for Career Fest is separate from Railroad Night and must be completed independently.)There is no cost to register for the Railroad Night, but a donation to the Rail Transportation Program is encouraged and appreciated. Registration Student Registration | Industry Registration 2025 Railroad Night Sponsors See Event Sponsors

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Meet your grads

Monday, September 8, 5 p.m.–5 p.m. | Fisher 231

This event highlights the wide range of research being conducted by graduate students in the Department of Physics. You will hear directly from students about their projects, methods, and experiences working in different research groups. If you are considering joining a group, this is an excellent chance to ask questions and learn what it’s like to be part of various labs. Even if you’re just thinking about research for the future, this session will help you get oriented, explore potential interests, and connect with current researchers. Undergraduates who are curious about getting involved in research are especially encouraged to attend.Pizza will be provided for all attendees.

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Range Day

Monday, September 8, 5 p.m.–5 p.m. | Portage Lake Golf Course

A 1-hour event at the PLGC driving range to work on your swing! Rides will be leaving Wadsworth at 4:45 PM! Meet under the awning outside the main doors. Clubs will be provided if need be! Please bring your MTU ID and check in at the clubhouse in order to use the range for free.

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General Meeting 9/8

Monday, September 8, 6 p.m.–6 p.m. | MEEM Room 403

Join ASME for our first general meeting of the school year! We will meet the E-Board, learn about the club, and hear about upcoming events plus the benefits that YOU receive as an ASME member!

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General Meeting

Monday, September 8, 7 p.m.–7 p.m. | Fisher 101

KS at MTU weekly general meeting.